Morganna's sobs were almost the only sound in the clearing next to Mordaf's village. How could this be possible? Merlin was far more powerful than any other mage she'd ever seen. The only exception was Toman, though higher than Merlin she was sure that Merlin had an advantage in knowledge.

Gwendydd was staring at Morganna with compassion, then she quickly turned away a small smile creeping on her lips. Damn it she'd almost opened her mouth, that wasn't like her. She had always liked Morganna perhaps it was the bond between the two that was making her weak in this matter. Drenna had backed well away from the three she was having an even harder time not revealing the plan.

Mordaf walked to Morganna putting his arms around her. Morganna leaned into him as her body racking sobs increased. Leading her to a small teepee, Mordaf laid Morganna on the soft bed sitting beside her along with Gwendydd. Not long after, Morganna succumb to exhaustion and grief falling asleep.

Stepping well out of her hearing range, Mordaf spoke to the two females. "I just hope that she can learn the control that Toman and brother did. I have to go, remember you can't be gone long either, neither of you."

Gwendydd nodded a small grimace on her face. Drenna also nodded trying to remain quiet. "I really don't like the subterfuge, as I remember neither did our brother."

Sighing Mordaf stopped, turning to his sister. "Look I'm not that much a fan of it myself though I do every day. I only do it to protect these people. They are the closest to true, honest humans that we knew when we were growing up. I will do all I can to protect them as long as I can."

Gwendydd looked at her brother as if he'd lost his mind. "You know that if it is found out that you influenced the events here they will come for you. I do not want an all-out war with the magic dimension and our family. You yourself know the outcome of that."

A horrified look passed over Mordaf's face as he remembered the mage war when he was very young. A lot of good mages were destroyed. "I..." Mordaf started then was cut off by Gwendydd.

"Good I'm glad you remember. We have to tread softly here brother, Drenna, we follow Merlin's plan he laid out. The only impromptu thing we have to the plan is Toman. By the great power I hope that all brother saw when he made this plan comes to fruition." Hugging they both nodded to each other and Drenna as Mordaf flashed out.

Gwendydd really didn't want to leave though she knew she had to. No sense not leaving Morganna some help she thought. For the next hour she and Adrenna made a great many training things for Morganna. Going to the small teepee Gwendydd gently touched Morganna's head with a smile. "That should help her." Gwendydd told Drenna who only nodded.

Stepping out they walked a little way to an area concealed from the village. Looking around a last time she nodded to Drenna then she too winked out.

Drenna had watched all this with trepidation, she didn't have to go as soon as Mordaf or Gwendydd. Walking back to the small teepee she was surprised that Morganna was awake.

"I thought that you would rest longer." Drenna told her.

Shaking her head Morganna sat up stretching. "I feel as if I have been asleep for centuries. I have been a responsibility one that I will take seriously."

Adrenna smiled, "I'm glad, Morganna and I have set up a few things to help you gain more control."

Morganna's face showed surprise, they were trusting her that much? "Before we go I need to look in on the young girl. If she is as important to Mordaf as he said I need to keep a watch on her." Drenna nodded as she followed Morganna.

In another small teepee A young brown skinned, dark haired woman was laying asleep. Morganna passed her hand over the woman then nodded. "Whom ever did the healing spell should be congratulated. She is healing very well." Morganna was about to move away when a strange look came to her face. Passing her hand over the young woman again she started to smile.

Looking over to Drenna she smiled more. "What has you smiling so?" Drenna asked.

"No wonder she is so important to Mordaf!" Morganna said slightly excited.

Confused Drenna looked at the young woman then Morganna. "What are you on about Morganna?"

"It should have been obvious to you. Mordaf wants her protected? From what I felt she is a few months pregnant!" Drenna could only stare at the young woman and Morganna, pregnant? Then a wry smile crossed her face, for once she knew something before her father or even the father actually did.

"Mordaf is going to be ecstatic!" Drenna said as she clapped her hands together. Morganna stared at Drenna with suspicion the woman was far too pleased for just a friend of Mordaf. No, there was something else going on, she'd find out if it was the last thing she did.

Just then the young woman moaned in her sleep, her green eyes briefly opening. Looking around in confusion, then even more when she saw the two strange females that were in the teepee. "Who... who are you?" She whispered out awaiting an answer.

Drenna was about to answer when the young woman sighed then was unconscious again. Morganna was quickly scanning the young woman then she looked back to Drenna. "The fact that she woke up is a good sign. I have to ask, most of her injuries are of a magical nature how did she receive them? They feel quite recent."

Drenna swallowed hard, crap none of them had expected her to be able to feel that, at least not this soon.

____________________________________________________________________

I was panting from the effort the amount of energy I had expended was slowly creeping higher. I could feel almost all that were heading my way barely a level below me. Good I thought even if the destroyed me I'd clear this dimension of a hell of a lot of evil.

It felt as if I had only been here an hour though I knew that time was irrelevant here. I could feel that I had grown at least another four levels. I was a few above Ukobach now though, I needed to go higher I needed an advantage. Ukobach at the moment held all the major cards though I was gaining a few myself now.

I ripped off another titanic blast as I felt a great multitude closing in. Smiling I grabbed the blast spreading it out to a few miles. My smile grew larger as I added more and more power to it. Finally, it made contact searing and burning its way through countless evil creatures in front of me. The screams of pain were music to my ears as a wider smile crossed my lips.

I suddenly stopped as I realize that I was enjoying all the killing and death that I was dealing out. Taking a deep breath, I found my center seeing that this realm was actually starting to affect me. Damn, this wasn't good I had to stop before I was trapped like her with them AS one of them.

Calming more I felt an extremely powerful energy heading my way. Crap I thought I had obviously awakened or come to the attention of the real boss of this realm. Flexing my hands, I steeled myself up, this was going to take a while. I was barely close to its level.

Grabbing the earlier blast, I powered it up even more as I sent it barreling toward the huge power. It felt like a long time before the power and my blast met. I was trying to power the blast as high as I could get it. Smiling I felt my power slip upward another level. ‘Good, I might live through this,’ I thought.

Somewhere in the darkness I heard a titanic collision. Then the eerie screeching, growling, screaming and groaning started. I had thought I had heard it all, I was deathly wrong as the sounds started to wash over me I again tensed up.

I could still feel the huge power trying to advance toward me, though it was most definitely slower. The power hadn't dropped any though I could feel it starting to strain a bit. Pushing out more and power I knew that this was what I had been waiting for.

By the great power I was tired. I had to keep going I still wasn't high enough, true I was higher than Ukobach though I didn't feel I was high enough.

The huge power started to push forward again as I cursed. I had to hurt it, destroy it or something close to that or I was dead. Reaching inside I felt a calmness that I didn't on the outside. Grasping it I felt my reserve power start to kick in. Looking around when I opened my eyes I saw what had to be millions upon millions of evil beings most of the way around me. What the hell? Why weren't they attacking.

Looking closer I saw that a great many were trying unable to advance at all. Shaking my head, I turned toward the now advancing huge power.

It was suddenly in front of me, a withering mass of dead, bloated, rotting concoctions of evil. What I guessed were eyes turned toward me.

{So Toman Wilbey, it wasn't enough that you destroyed my brethren in your dimension. Also, in the sub-dimension that held Morganna Le Fay. No, you have to come to my dimension, with that sickening goodness. Normally I would never let you leave, though in your case I will make an exception!} The putrid mass said even as a sucking portal opened behind me.

{You have no choice!} The thoughts of the mass shouted at me. Fighting with all I had I was barely moving. The mass growled then I felt the pressure double then triple. {Tell Ukobach that we await him when you destroy him. The dark realm will make him pay for the many that were lost.}

{NO!} My thoughts screamed out as I felt myself start to slide towards the portal opening. {NO!} I shouted again as I put all my power into staying stationary. Then I pushed higher I could feel the strain on my power as I was barely moving.

The mass grunted as more than a thousand creatures rushed me forcing me to the edge of the portal. Shit I hadn't expected this! That's when I felt a slight tearing sensation. Oh hell! Not now I was so close! With that I was flung out of the dark dimension.

I tried to turn as I was hurtling toward the magic dimension I was sure of it. Damn I thought I seemed to be going a hell of a lot faster than I thought I would. Finally, I managed to turn toward the front, nodding I saw the magic/human dimension rapidly approaching.

I reached out trying to slow my forward progress, I felt a little of my speed decrease. Shit, if I used more than that I was sure I rip my power more. Thing is as fast as I was going I was sure to vaporize on impact. Reaching out again I tried to slow a second time. Again, I felt my speed slow a bit more.

Reaching in I started to power up feeling the existing tear start to grow slowly wider. Wonderful I thought. Taking a deep breath, I reached out with all the power I had. I felt myself slow to half what I had been though still pretty fast.

I was about to do it again when I felt the tear violently, suddenly rip long and wide. Screaming, I saw the portal exit ahead though I couldn't slow anymore. I had hardly any power I could use, this wasn't going to end well.

As I hit the exit I saw that I was heading toward the North American continent. ‘I had to do something, or I was dead,’ I thought. Drawing what I could I made as strong a shield around me as I could. Screaming at the effort and the pain I watched through half closed eyes as the ground was rapidly approaching.

____________________________________________________________________

It had been almost a year since Morganna had arrived at the village. No attacks had happened, nothing really had happened at all. Well, the young woman had delivered her baby, an absolutely beautiful baby girl with stormy dark eyes. Nothing like the mother's nor Mordaf's. The only bad thing was that the young woman had no idea who she was.

Mordaf had visited many times extremely proud of the woman. Morganna had asked many times if there was any way that they could help the woman. Mordaf sadly shook his head saying that the only thing that could help her was far away. Unfortunately, none of them could reach that which could help her.

Sadly, Morganna nodded, it had been almost the same answer from Adrenna and Gwendydd. This whole time Morganna had started to grow more and more suspicious. They were all obviously hiding something the thing was Morganna had yet to find out. For the last eleven months Morganna had worked on her control. When she arrived, it was almost non-existent. Now? She had well over seventy five percent, almost what she had when she was with Merlin.

A sad look passed over her face as she walked over to check on the young woman. She'd just entered the teepee when the young woman looked up, a look of concern on her face. "Hello Miss Morganna. Can I help you with anything? I'm sure I can help you somehow."

Startled Morganna stopped in her tracks, "Help me? Whatever do you mean?"

"You appear to be so sad, I hate to see you that way. You are a beautiful woman, being sad doesn't look good on you." The young woman said.

"Oh," Morganna said as she tried to smile. "I'm sorry, I was living in the past again remembering a long-ago lost love. I did not mean to make you sad also."

"You mean the man Merlin?" The young woman stopped throwing a hand over her mouth. "I'm so sorry Miss Morganna," she started as tears came to her eyes. "I forgot I didn't mean to say his name making you sadder."

Morganna smiled even bigger, "So young, so wise." Just then the baby girl in the young woman's arms cooed. "So, have you thought of a name for her yet?"

"I was thinking of that when you came in. I have almost no memory before I woke up. Just today I remembered a name, the more I thought about it the more the owner of the name escaped me. I had given up when I suddenly remembered it was the name of my mother, Palaki." The young girl stated with tears in her eyes. "I have been told that I had a half-sister by the name of Naci though I have no memory of her."

Morganna's head snapped around to stare at the young woman, Palaki? Suddenly a million questions came to Morganna's mind then were dashed as Morganna remembered the young woman didn't. "Anything you can..."

Morganna stopped as she heard an almost screaming, descending whistling. Running to the opening she saw a fiery streak going across the sky. Cursing her self Morganna warned the young woman to stay put as she ran in the direction of the fireball.

Once out of sight Morganna winked out appearing miles from the village. Erecting a shield, she started to power up. Whatever or whoever this was there was a major amount of power in it.

Moments later the huge fireball came streaking to the clearing before her. Hitting the ground with alarming speed a long gorging of the earth occurred. It moved along for almost five hundred yards going deeper then finally stopping.

Approaching carefully Morganna could still feel quite a lot of power from whatever it was. Standing there she could feel something alive within the hole that was starting to cool rapidly.

Staying at full power she crept closer ready to wink out at a moment’s notice. This was very, very bad the power she was feeling was even beyond what Merlin had. Watching everything she soon saw movement from the hole as she backed up.

A male figure emerged stumbling a bit an extremely powerful shield around him. Morganna gasp when she recognized Toman as he stumbled more. "Toman?"

The figure turned slowly toward her as it seemed to be struggling with something. A slow crooked smile came to Toman's lips, "Mor...ganna?" Toman whispered.

Damnit, I had hit the damn ground pretty hard. I felt the heat through my shield, guess I came down faster than I thought. Damn it was hard to walk whole freaking body was hurting. Guess I hurt the boss of the dark realm more than I had thought. As much power as I had I was almost nothing to the power of mother nature, that and gravity.

I finally felt it was cool enough for me to stumble out of the hole. Stumble yeah that was hard enough. I had to get away from here before the council came to investigate.

I had just stumbled out of the hole completely when I heard a gasp across the clearing then I heard someone say "Toman?

I turned as slow as I could the motion bringing excruciating pain all over my body. I looked across the clearing to see an above average height red headed woman. Damn I thought her hands were glowing like mine used to.

I tried to smile as only about half my mouth could move into it. I was having the hardest time remembering who in the hell this was. Almost as if my brain was moving on automatic I tried to shout with joy. The best I could manage was a low whispered, "Mor...ganna?"

I watched as the woman started to advance on me then stopped a few feet from me unable to get closer. "I can't get past your shield Toman."

Shield? I thought, what in the hell was that? I guess she was desperate because a moment later another woman smaller with dark hair, very slender appeared. "Toman? Toman son, relax let the energy go." Son? ok, that meant that she was my .... damn slipped my mind right now. "Just relax, that's all, feel all the tension fall away."

’Yeah,’ I thought, ‘I was pretty tense whatever that meant. Plus, I had a terrible pain inside.’ Taking a deep breath then letting it out very slowly I felt some of the pain fade. Looking back at the new woman I nodded, she was my...? Mother? I could almost think again though the pain was still pretty intense. Taking another ragged deep breath, I let it out slower this time feeling almost all the pain fade.

My mother ran to me as I felt the last of my strength fade. Falling to my knees I felt tears fall from my eyes. "She's gone mother, my fault all my fault." I looked at Morganna, "I will keep my promise to you, if you still wish it. though how you can look at me, I should have been there to help him. Again, my fault, all my..." That's the last thing I remember as the pain finally reached past my threshold.

The next time I opened my eyes I was terrified. I didn't recognize anything, nor anyone. That is 'til my mother, I think it was my mother appeared in front of me. "Here Toman drink this..." She started handing me a glass with a greenish liquid in it. I nodded grasping the glass draining it with an alarming speed. "No Toman wait not so..."

I licked my lips not bad I thought, well, that is, 'til it hit my stomach. I felt AND heard the rolling, grumbling and gurgling as what I had drank start to make a return trip. With a sigh the woman I recognized as I thought my mother brought a pail to the side of the bed.

I tried to thank her though was unable as I let loose in the pail, on the floor, the walls and of course mother. She screeched a moment then ran to get a pail of water. Coming back in she started to wash my face then dropped the dress she was in only in her chemise and underskirts.

For some strange reason I turned my head away from her embarrassed. "For goodness sake Toman you've seen me in my underclothes before!" She said.

I turned back to her as she waved her hand becoming fully clothed again. "I have?" I said shocked at what I had just seen.

"Now then," she started again. "How much do you remember?" She said with the sweetest smile.

"Remember? About what? You and that red headed woman from before are the only things I recognize." I told her as an extremely worried look came to her features.

"I was so hoping that you suffered no ill effects from your high-speed landing. Well, guess we have a lot of work in the next week or so." She told me sadly. "I just hope that my healing and medical training is enough."

I looked at her as she shook her head. "Is it really that important that I remember mother?" I asked.

"More than you know Toman, much more." She replied. I could only stare at her when she said this. Something was pushing in my mind though I just couldn't grasp it.

I was pissed as hell. Other than my mother Drenna and Morganna I could remember nothing else. Hell, they told me that I had lived in this village before though I still had no memory of it.

It had taken almost a week for most of the fractures of most of my bones to heal. Mother was there every day trying to heal me. This was the seventh day now that I could stand for more than an hour.

"Toman, don't go far you're still not that healed." I heard her say as I was slowly walking away.

"Not much chance of that mother. As I still don't know where I am, I'd get lost easily." I replied back to her.

I started to walk looking at all the... what had they called them? Teepees? I hadn't gone far when I happened upon a smaller Teepee behind the one I had been in. Inside was a young woman feeding a young infant girl.

I had stuck my head in the quickly averted my eyes when I saw that the young woman was breastfeeding.

“I'm so sorry I didn't mean to intrude." I said to the doorway. "I am not one that stares at people." I told the young woman embarrassed.

I heard an amount of rustling then her very soft voice say, "I apologize also. I normally have the flap closed, though the heat today caused me to leave it open."

"Still I am sorry that I intruded upon you." I then looked at the young woman, both her legs were shriveled so small compared to the rest of her. She caught me looking as I quickly turned my face away greatly embarrassed.

A smile came across her face, "Please I don't mind. I don't have many visitors. As you can see I cannot leave, Tall Bear and the medicine men have tried to heal me many times to no avail. I have accepted my fate."

As I was sitting there listening to her I felt something in my head almost break. What in the hell was that I thought as I closed my eyes. Looking back at the young woman I could suddenly see that her injuries were of magic. Then just as suddenly I knew that I could heal her though I knew it would be very painful.

What the hell should I do? Suddenly I had a small flood of memories come to me. The people of this village did not know or trust magic. Great, here I could help her, and their superstitions kept me from it. I also knew that there were a few magic users here, had she said Tall Bear? Yes, he was one of them, then again if he couldn't heal her how the hell did I expect to?

Shaking my head, I felt power well up in me that I hadn't before. Hell, before now I didn't even know I could do magic.

Reaching out I asked if I could touch her legs. When she nodded yes, she said, "I haven't been able to feel them for almost a year now. I can't really see any harm in anyone touching a dead part of me."

I nodded sadly as I reached out again touching her legs. I could feel my power surge up a moment as it flowed into her then it faded.

"Strange," I said. "They don't appear to be dead." I said as I pulled me hand away from her. I just hope that the small partial way I did it wasn't as painful as I knew it could be.

The young girl looked at me strange then shook her head. "No, I am afraid that they are dead, I accept that I will never walk again."

I looked at her legs again seeing the energy I had infused in them starting to heal them. I hated that it would take so long to heal her, though at least now she had a chance. I thanked her for her time then left.

I walked straight back to where mother was a determined look on my face. Walking in I sat facing her. "So," I started. "Where in the hell is pops? Last I knew the council was hunting the both of us."

I could only shake my head sadly, "some yes, though not very much. I remember how to heal, how to shield not much beyond that. In remember releasing you from pops, I..." I was suddenly struck silent as I remembered pops with two shadows around him. A look of horror came across my face as I whispered, "father!"

Mother ran to me as huge tears started to fall from my face. How could I have forgotten about him! "It's alright Toman he knows. When you are ready you'll bring him back also."

I flexed my power internally feeling a hell of a lot more power than I remembered having. I might have been strong before though now? My power now was like the strength of an adult compared to an infant. I had to be nine or ten times more powerful than I was before. If I didn't know better, I had more than enough to bring father back.

Looking at mother I think she could feel and see it also. "I remember using the restore spell on you. I even remember the first part of it. I can't seem to grasp the rest of it. I have forgotten so many things I can now feel them there it's just there is something between me and them."

"If this has returned to you, the rest should soon also. The natural healing..." Mother started when I shook my head.

"I was talking to one of the young women in the village when I felt something break in my mind. It was like a dam released a clump of memories though no more. When I started to talk to you remembered the restore spell well part of it. I can't remember anything else." I told her.

A strange look crossed her face as she stared at me. "A young woman? Who? Perhaps she has an energy that helped your mind heal."

I took mother's hand taking her around the Teepee pointing to the one behind mine. "That one, she has an infant and her legs won't allow her to leave yet."

Mother's face got a strange look on it when I pointed to the Teepee, then one of concern when I said yet. "What do you mean yet? Mordaf has tried to heal her for almost a year now. She isn't a magic user be careful she doesn't see you."

"Yes, I remembered that mother. I am unfortunately having to use slow healing on her. If I did anything else she would know, I am afraid it would also cause her undo pain, a lot of it." I replied to mother.

Mother was about to say more when Morganna came flying out of the same small Teepee. "By the great power! The young woman's legs have feeling in them again!"

I smiled slyly as I stated to her, "It must be your supreme healing Morganna."

Morganna stopped what she was about to say staring at me opened mouth then she whirled me around. "You're remembering! This is a truly momentous day!"

I smirked at Morganna as I said, "Okay maybe not, I don't remember you being this annoying." Morganna dropped her arms then looked at the ground chagrined.

When I and mother started to laugh she punched me lightly in the arm. "Oh! by the great power you both are so bad!"

I stopped suddenly as I said, "Seriously you are a far better healer than I am. I just wish I had half the skill you did at it."

Morganna's eyes went wide as she shook her head. "You possess far more power than I do Toman. The field and trail of dead you left in the dark range was proof of that. It took me far longer to get to the center, with it accepting me."

I could only shake my head in disbelief she was more powerful than she thought. I looked back at Morganna suddenly seeing a myriad of colors coming from her center. looking closer I saw that a great many that had once been open were now closed or covered. Not knowing I reached out flicking away at a few of those spots.

Morganna's mouth dropped open again her eyes getting wider. "What!? I can... but... but..." I felt her power up a lot more than she had before. Nodding I saw that there were a few blocks around her power that seemed to be out of place. I started to push them around a bit 'til things looked more like they should.

I suddenly stopped, how in the hell did I know all of this? Morganna was on her knees as tears started to flow. "I haven't been able to access those powers for centuries! I..." She started then stared at me. "My... my... control has risen! I have more than I did at my height with Merlin!" Rushing over Morganna threw her arms around me giving me a crushing hug.

After she released me, I saw that my mother had tears in her eyes also. "It appears that you memory is returning faster now."

Sadly, I shook my head, "I've only gained a few more spells and abilities nothing more. I will keep at it mother." I nodded toward the small Teepee behind mine as mother slightly nodded her assent.

Ukobach was pissed as hell. It had almost been a year since anyone had seen that bastard wild magic user Toman. The thing is for some strange reason Ukobach had felt him the whole time. Though the most irritating thing was that he could never pinpoint where the bastard was. Now suddenly Ukobach could feel that Toman was back in the human dimension again.

__________________________________________________

He'd called in a few favors to see what they could find to no avail. Another bad thing the bastard felt a hell of a lot stronger. It felt he was on a par with Ukobach! Ridiculous! He was a demon no magical being could ever have that much... Damn! he'd forgotten about the ass kicking Merlin had given him. Okay almost all magical beings.

Still with only one arm Ukobach was keeping an eye out more on all the councilors. The three strongest he wasn't worried about, nor the lowest five. The three that were in between were of worry. They were his kind of scum though not when he was as incapacitated as he was.

That one male and the two females were just the type to try and wrest control of the council from him and the others. Smiling he nodded yes under usual circumstances he would welcome scum like them.

He cursed silently how in the hell had his son as clever and devious as he was get captured? Then to be taken out as easily as he was? No, there had to be something else at work here. What though he had no idea what so whatsoever.

Looking at the council chambers he saw that Clondal had just returned with an evil smile on her face. It was then that he saw Lyndeth and Creton bristle.

"So, you bitch!" Creton shouted, "you've been to my holdings again. I will end your ass for that!" Creton then powered up.

Lyndeth growled at him and Clondal. "Not in the chambers you repulsive idiot!" Lyndeth also was starting to power up both her hands starting to glow.

Clondal had backed away her own hands starting to glow. "You shouldn't leave them alone for so long. They are just begging to be taken!"

All three were almost at their full power when a huge bolt hit in the middle of the three of them. "Enough of this petty bickering! I have received information that, that bastard wild magic user has returned. This is bad as the readings I have gotten indicate he is far stronger than any of you."

All three powered down as both Creton and Lyndeth looked at Clondal who slightly nodded.

"So, what are you suggesting? That we join up to fight him?" Creton asked. Then shook his head, "not going to happen. I don't trust any of the others as far as I can blow them out of here. You're all powerful I thought you were going after him?"

"As you said," Ukobach growled at Creton. "I do not trust you nor any of the others and I CAN blow you out of here a long way." He then pointed at Creton, "don't make me regret appointing you. I could make your stepping down more painful than you think! It could also last a very long time."

Creton swallowed hard as he slowly backed away to his seat. Looking at the two females Ukobach scowled at both of then 'til they were seated also. Sighing he stood before them as he started to outline several plans to get rid of Toman. Then he asked them for their input.

"Remember, he's after all the council no matter who is here. He is far stronger than he was." Ukobach stated as he sat to listen to all their ideas.

Ukobach was still distracted though. For the life of him he swore that he could feel his son and that whore of his wife. Shaking his head, he tried to shake the feeling, it was like they were alive though they felt dead.

_______________________________________

I was struggling all the next day, I had wanted to go see the young woman again though; but thought that it might be a bad idea. If she was as close to Mordaf as I thought she was, it might not be a good thing if he found me there.

I was again walking around the village actually remembering a little. A few of the warriors I saw I could recall though none of them would approach me. After avoiding her almost the whole day I steeled myself up as I walked to her Teepee.

This time the flap was closed as I let out a breath of relief. Stepping close I listened to see if there was anyone else there.

I had just started to walk away when I heard a soft voice from inside. "Hello? Is someone there?"

I cleared my throat, "It's Toman from yesterday. I thought I'd come by. When I heard no noise, I thought you asleep."

"No not asleep, you may come in please leave the flap open Toman. "she told me.

Walking in I sat near the bed. Looking at her legs I could see that they were much better. I hated that it would take so long for them to heal. "May I?" I asked as I indicated her legs. "They appear to be better today."

The young woman nodded as she looked at her legs. I powered up again as I touched and felt along one of her legs. I felt the power slowly infuse with her again then I removed my hand. At this rate it would be a week before she was well enough for her body to take over.

"They seem better than they were yesterday." I told her.

"Yes, they are, it was amazing not long after you left, I started to get a little feeling back in them. It lasted for quite some time then it faded after several hours. Morganna said that was a very good sign." The young woman told him with a smile.

"So, you've had no luck in remembering your name?" I asked her.

A stray tear came to her eye. "No, nor can I remember the father of Palaki. It is frustrating to say the least. I have the most beautiful child who sadly will never know her father. Many told me that he was a very brave warrior," here fresh tears started. "I remember nothing about him at all!"

I was nodding I could sympathize with her when it came to memory. In that respect we were the same. "So, you remember nothing about your family? No one has said anything about them?"

"I was told that Tall Bear was not my real father. He married my mother Palaki after my father died. I decided to honor my mother by naming my daughter the same. I was told that I had a half-sister though no one knows what happened to her, she was called Naci."

I had been nodding to everything she'd said 'til the point she said the word Naci. Suddenly I bolted upright as if I'd been struck by something.

"Naci," I was whispering with a haunted look in my eyes. I turned to look at the young woman though did not see her. "I have to go." Then I abruptly turned walking from the Teepee leaving the young woman in shock.

I walked toward the Teepee that I'd been using. Walking in I fell to my knees as huge tears started to fall freely from my eyes. "My dear Naci I am so sorry." I was whispering.

Morganna suddenly appeared startling me though I made no move to acknowledge her. A worried look came across her face as she saw the tears and regret on my face. "Toman? are you alright? Is there anything I can do?"

I turned my attention toward Morganna. "I have to go soon. If they feel me here, they will come. You are powerful Morganna, much more than you were. Not even I could take all of them at the same time. I... Please forgive me for not being there to protect Merlin in his obvious hour of need."

Morganna could only stare at me with an opened mouth. What in the hell was I talking about. "I'm not understanding Toman."

"I was more than his student I was his friend, especially after he helped when I was doing the restore spell. I should have been there I can never forgive myself for that. After I take Ukobach, restore you then my father I will let the power take me. It's the least I can do, especially after I got Naci killed."

"You? You didn't..." Morganna started.

I turned to stare straight into Morganna's eyes. She could see the haunted, lonely, deep depths that were there in my eyes. "I might as well have shot the bolts that killed her. I brushed off Ukobach's blasts not paying attention 'til it was too late. I heard her scream..." Here I swallowed hard remembering every second that had passed. "By then it was too late, she was gone. I relived every last precious moment of her hoping she escaped."

Morganna was shedding tears at the story. I hadn't gone into this much detail when we were coming out. She just hoped my mother, Dreana made it back before I left again.

"Toman we should call someone before you go off." Morganna said hoping to delay me.

"Why? Both of the people that were strong enough to help are dead. Plus, I think that losing their brother and niece and daughter will cause vengeance. No, this is far better that I die like this, helping the rest. I'm just a coward but at least I can die with a little honor." I said then I hugged Morganna apologizing to her again.

I looked at Morganna then closed my eyes. I was chanting a moment when Morganna's eyes flew wide when she felt the last spell dissolve to nothing. "There I kept my promise to Merlin, two other promises left."

Morganna again tried to stop me as I walked out. Sadly, I shook my head then vanished. Touching her head, she concentrated. {I'm afraid Toman is on his way to destroy Ukobach. Nothing I did would stop him, he remembers everything. Dreana he doesn't plan to survive this.}

{Damn! I was hoping he'd be there longer. I'll alert the others, with his new levels it won't take him long to destroy Ukobach.} Dreana answered.

Morganna nodded as the contact was broken. Sighing she was afraid that nothing was going to save Toman. With the loss of Naci she wasn't sure if even Merlin's family could save him.

A noise behind her caused her to turn then her mouth to drop open, "Morganna? What is going on?"

________________________________________

I appeared outside the council building his anger higher than he ever had felt it. Powering up I fired several bolts at the columns in front collapsing the front area.

"Come on Ukobach! You demon piece of garbage. It's time we end this once and for all." I shouted at the partially collapsed building.

Ukobach appeared a huge smile on his face. "You're dead this time boy. There's no way that you can take the whole council."

I looked around not seeing or feeling anyone. "Uh huh, you've lost your mind obviously." I told him as he looked worried searching for the rest of the council.

"I need all of you out here right now!" Ukobach was growling as he concentrated. "We can end the last obstacle to the council ruling the magic dimension forever!"

I looked at Ukobach, almost feeling sorry for him, almost. What he had just said was an impossibility. Many had tried only to be utterly destroyed. It seemed that the amount of power they tried to achieve, was by far much more than their bodies could hold. They had literally burned up from the inside out.

"So, since no one is coming, I guess I get the honor of destroying you. I also have a message for you, though I think it can wait 'til later." I said as I powered up to almost full power.

"As I said before boy. You are going to die, I will so enjoy taking all your power as my own." Ukobach boasted to me. Little did he know that I was nowhere near my full power yet.

"You really talk far too much, you know that? Much like a certain tree I remember in the dark range. A place I am sure you'd feel well at home in." I taunted Ukobach. I had to have him make the first move, so I could gauge what power he had left.

"HA! Here you say that I talk too much. Just to let you know, I am a demon, not a pathetic magical being such as yourself. I am sure that my old master will welcome your soul with open arms. Now, you should do all of us a favor and DIE!" With that Ukobach released a huge ball of energy that I just yawned, caught and fizzled out as if it were nothing.

"Here I thought you were a powerful demon, with that pitiful display I am doubting it now." I threw in a smirk just to push him even more.

With a huge, growling roar, Ukobach suddenly shifted to his demonic form, as he formed another huge ball of energy. "You feeble piece of human trash! I hope you like my full power as it will be the last you ever see!"

I could see Ukobach had put a lot into it, though not all as I was hoping he would have. Again I stood there as the huge ball was slung my way. Though not that powerful it still had a good punch to it. A punch I felt as soon as I caught it, with it driving me back a few feet.

Shaking my head, I suddenly clapped my hands together making the ball start to grow smaller and smaller. Then I clapped them again, completely extinguishing it.

I look at Ukobach disdainfully, "Is that all? I felt stronger in the dark realm. I can see that destroying you is going to be far too easy." I then sneered at him, seeing that his anger was finally starting to rise to the surface.

Roaring even louder, Ukobach then launched his self toward me only to bounce off my shield. Then to add insult to injury, I reached out and cuffed him with enough force to knock him back. Ukobach flew 'til he rammed into the front of the council building.

Screaming out into an almost blind rage, Ukobach sprang from the building straight toward me. I remembered almost too late, that a very angry demon was an even more powerful demon.

I had just started to turn, when Ukobach penetrated my defenses, catching my side. I felt my shirt shred as he almost grazed my skin. Shit, had to concentrate, if he hit me I was done for. A scratch was deadly with the highly poisonous toxins on his clawed hands. I wasn't even sure I had that much power to heal it.

"So," I heard Ukobach start to laugh. "The boy has actually grown some. Too bad it's too late to save your worthless human ass!" Ukobach hissed as he made another pass at me barely getting half way through.

Bouncing a few feet from me, I saw that Ukobach was actually surprised. "I've grown far more than you think, you pathetic excuse for a demon. Here I thought you said I would be so easy to defeat. Now, you seem to be having doubts. What? Are you afraid of a mere human?" I said taunting him further. I knew I was on dangerous ground, though with the situation as it was, I had no choice.

Ukobach stopped, looking at me, "So you have boy, so you have. Thing is, do you possess enough knowledge to use it before I kill you," he asked as he started to laugh. "I have heard many of your kind boast as you have, Merlin, is the only one that was true to his word. Well almost, he never did destroy me."

I smiled back at him, I already knew the answer to that. The thing was, was he going to try to keep winning, when he knew I had him beat? I guess I was about to find out as I released a half powered blast at him.

I saw him smile as it hit, then bounced off his shield. The next, I went up another fourth of my power, this time I saw him actually strain a bit then bounced it away.

I then saw him smile as he looked me up and down. "So the boy has the power of a man now, good, good, I wouldn't want the nothing power of a child to add to my own. Yours though will do quite nicely!"

He then streaked toward me faster than I thought he could move. As he again penetrated my shields, he was more than half way to me when he was repelled.

Ah, I thought, that was more like it. I needed to lull him into a false sense of security. Then when it was right, I would completely destroy him.

"Not so cocky now are you boy, no matter you'll be dead soon enough." Ukobach said with a broad smile as suddenly Pikon appeared.

Ukobach's smile now broader, nodded to the low council member. Then just as suddenly, Corth appeared an evil smile on his face.

"Ah! As you can see they are coming to the aid of the council leader. After you are dead all this 'evidence' you have shown everyone, will be of no consequence." Ukobach boasted as Groton then Tydeth also appeared.

Oddly enough, I also noticed that they were not doing anything to help Ukobach, which I also found strange. If, as he said, they were coming to his aid, then why weren't they doing anything?

As I looked closer, I swear I could almost see something familiar about all of them. These four were no problem, even adding their power that I felt was low to Ukobach's. If the rest of them joined in, then I might have a problem, though as I said they had made not a single move.

Even as I sent another blast at three fourths my power, I was wary to watch the others. This time Ukobach caught my blast, pulling it toward him. Perfect I thought, as I suddenly increased the power the blast contained.

Ukobach started to scream as the blast was slowly eating away at his defenses. Well, with me forcing them upon him he was having a lot more trouble evading the blast.

With a small smile, I pushed harder hearing Ukobach start to scream, then the blast fizzled out.

"Not bad boy, a trick worthy of your small and insignificant power. I will show you true power." Ukobach was yelling across the area. Turning he saw that Docal then Clondal had also made an appearance.

‘Shit, this was bad,’ I thought, ‘what I was feeling added to his power was almost the equal of my own. I had to end this and Ukobach, if I had any chance of surviving this.’ I was about to send an even more powerful blast at Ukobach when Lyndeth appeared. I blinked as I stared at her, why in the hell was she so familiar?

"Ah! It is good that the council is behind their leader. Together we shall crush him, then we will rule the magical dimension!" With that Ukobach laughed a deep sounding demonic laugh. "Prepare to die boy! Councilors attack!"

I was at the ready, fully powered up, prepared for anything. Then, the most curious thing happened, the seven councilors made a ring around us. All at equal distance with a space left open. It was then that the last of the new councilors appeared, Creton.

Ukobach, an almost giddy look on his face pointed to me, "Kill him utterly!" He was shouting, then he stopped, his mouth dropping open as Creton took the last space the others left. Ukobach started to sputter, as he could only stare at what Creton had in his hands. The heads of the last three council members.

"What have you done?" Ukobach shouted as he advanced upon Creton only to be knocked back by a very familiar shield.

"You are done, one way or another it ends today." Pikon stated.

"For all the crimes you have committed, judgement has been passed." Corth's voice said.

"You will not pass any of us." Groton hissed.

"Know that today, your reign is finished." Tydeth spit out.

"For everything, we will see your end." Docal commented.

"For the endless suffering you have brought to all the families, today you pay." Clondal said her eyes flashing.

"The sons and daughters that no longer have parents, their debt will be paid," Lyndeth growled out.

Finally, all turned toward Creton as he spread his hands, then arms. Funny I thought, that was familiar also. "With a pact we seal, no one passes 'til we repeal. Within the circle they must stay, be in dark or brightest day. Til evil is no longer here to terrorize, bringing fear." Here Creton, then the rest of them turn to stare at Ukobach, "So be it!"

Ukobach started to laugh out loud, almost so much that he was about to fall down. Then his face turned serious as he sneered at all of them. "An eternity capture ring? Please, there would have to be one as powerful as..." Ukobach said as he walked straight toward Creton, then was knocked flat on his ass! Still smirking he again tried only to be pushed back again.

I looked at the seven councilors, "May we take this out of the city?"

They all only turned to look at me with disdain, then nodded. We both appeared in a large field outside the city. I started to fire at Ukobach with several powerful blasts. I heard him scream as I saw that one had been close.

Through the dark billowing smoke, I tried to see what was going on, finally it was going to end. I took a step... Oh, here we are at the beginning or perhaps the end. For me and Ukobach it was most definitely an end. For the rest of the magical dimension, it was most definitely a new beginning.

At least now all the families could go on. Family, ha I thought no real chance of that for me. For my mother though, I could bring back my father. Not so lucky for Naci. God, even saying her name made me feel as if I had been dropped off the end of the world.

An errant blast came ripping out of the smoke bouncing harmlessly off my shield. If I didn't know better I'd say Ukobach was tiring, though I knew better, I could still wish.

I heard another of Ukobach's roars, as it started to come closer. Suddenly Ukobach broke from the side of the cloud, in an attempt to blind side me. Making a backhanding motion, I sent him flying into the ground, none too gentle.

Standing up, Ukobach started to snicker. "I know you have control of your wild magic. I also know that you can't keep up these levels all that long. All I have to do is tire you out, then you are mine!" He then sent a mammoth blast toward me, that I just batted back toward him.

"You really are more of an idiot than I thought. If I have control, I also can only use what I need to. Any first year magical being knows that. I guess it goes to show just how stupid you really are!" I shouted, as I directed another huge blast toward him.

This time, I saw that Ukobach was really struggling with this new blast. I had put more power into it, though I knew it wasn't enough to destroy him, it would be the start. Screaming in anger, I saw him catch the new blast as it started to move him backwards. Then he screamed louder, as it ate through his shields at an even faster rate.

"NO! This isn't possible! You were only gone for nearly a year. There is no way that you could have increased this much." I heard Ukobach yelling.

Laughing, I pushed the blast harder, "I was in the darkness dimension only two weeks. Here though, it was almost a year. I have increased many levels, up to and beyond yours."

"I am a demon," Ukobach was shouting angerly. "No magic user has as much power, even you wild magic users!"

"You might want to check my power again," I told him, then saw that my blast was inching closer. "Oh well, looks like you won't get the chance." I said, then sneered at him. "I also have a message from the leader of the dark realm. He said that they await you, that you will pay for the many that were destroyed."

"You lie! No magic user has ever escaped the dark realm after being there more than a day." Ukobach was screaming at me, though I wasn't sure from the strain, or his unbelief at what I had said.

"As a matter of fact," I told Ukobach, "the leader MADE me leave. It seems that I had destroyed far too many for his liking. Also something about the good in me making him sick? I'm not sure."

Turning, I saw that the blast had brushed against his side, where the small stump of his arm had been. It was obvious that he'd found a way to regrow without his son. That whole side was now a blackened, charred, mass of burned meat.

Powering up quickly, I was surprised when Ukobach got a blast off at me. As it skirted through my shield, passing by my left arm, I felt it go numb. Damn it! Pissed off I felt the blast double, then triple in size.

Ukobach was screaming louder as I shouted, "Goodbye you pathetic piece of garbage!" Releasing the blast, I saw Ukobach try to get out of the way. Directing it with my still moving arm, it quickly closed the distance to him.

"You won't defeat me! No magic user ever will." Ukobach was shouting, even as the blast was steadily eating its way through his shield. "NO! NO!" I heard him shout then nothing, as the blast passed through where he'd been.

I had already made a portal, stepping to it as quickly as I could, when they appeared. "Wait Toman!" Creton was shouting as I shook my head stepping through, slamming it shut. As the portal started to wind back and forth, I was hoping I could survive, when it opened on the other side. Then it opened, as I was falling out, the pain had started to set in as I hit the ground passing out.

Back in the field, the eight councilors shook their heads as they watched my rapid escape. "It appears he is using a see-saw effect with the portal. Even I am having a hard time following him." Creton stated.

A moment later all of then formed a ring as Creton made a chopping motion. "With this motion we expel, with the destruction of him from hell."

All of them nodded, then they were all suddenly standing in front of the council chambers. "We need to have replacement council members in here as soon as possible." Lyndeth stated.

All of them nodded, "We will as soon as this Toman business is finished. Then again, we'll have to get him to stand still long enough for that."

"Long enough for what?" A soft female voice stated behind them.

They all turned to see Morganna and a young brown skinned, green eyed, Indian woman holding a baby. Creton nodded, as he turned toward Pikon. "I can only assume that when he contacts you, will be our best chance."

Pikon was nodding deep in thought. "It might, though I am unsure if we could hold him long enough."

"I might be able to help with that," the young Indian woman with the baby said, as her form started to shift.

Pikon was nodding, then turned toward Morganna. "From everything I have heard, he has fulfilled almost all of the promises he made, save for one."

Morganna's eyes went wide as she whispered, "His father! I am afraid though that he has no plans to survive that. Even with the power that he has now, I'm not sure it is enough. I just wish he'd stayed a little longer."

Creton nodded, "I know, though he only knew us as the councilors that Ukobach put in. I am sure that he thought we were all as bad as Ukobach. I am also sure, that he thought that we would destroy him, after he destroyed Ukobach.

__________________________________________________________

I awoke with a dull throbbing in my left arm. Well, it was, 'til I tried to move. Then it was an excruciating exercise in trying to stay conscious. Looking at my almost useless arm, I tried to heal it finding that most of my power was dulled.

If any one of the councilors came after me, I was toast that was for sure. Finally, I managed to get a little power to start working on it. Problem was though, it was going to take time, something I was in short supply of.

I spent the rest of the day trying off and on to get the healing to take effect. It was getting late into the day, when I finally got it started. All the pain, had almost completely dulled my power to near nothing.

I had finally gotten most of the pain to fade, though my arm was still nearly useless. I knew that I was finally on the way to healing. I almost wished now, that I was better at it than I was. Sighing, not that it really mattered now.

As soon as I brought father back, I was done. There was no point going on, without Naci. God, just thinking her name was like a knife being shoved deep in my heart. Lying down, I had finally been able to summon a mage house, though it was barely holding together. Even as I felt the fatigue and exhaustion start to take me, the tears of losing Naci started.

How I now regretted never telling her that I loved her. I was pretty sure she loved me, though she had been patiently waiting for me to tell her.

I awoke the next day or I thought it was. Reaching out, I could see that it had in fact been two. My arm was now, at least half better, though there was still pain when I tried to move it. Powering up, I put more healing into it feeling it start to get right quite a bit faster.

Another day I thought, then I had to find Pops finishing what I had promised. I then would let the power take me before Merlin's kin did. Though I am sure they would want to destroy me personally, they would get over it as long as I was dead.

After another day of rest, I was surprised that no one had appeared coming after me. Reaching out I felt Pops in the time of Mordaf's village. Nodding to myself I had to do this as fast as I could if I was going to save father.

I appeared a ways from the village then reached out pulling Pops to me. He appeared a moment later a huge look of surprise on his face.

"Toman! Thank the power you are still alive. I..." Pops started then quieted when I started to power up far more than I ever had. I saw the shadow of my father as he was drifting close to Pops. A small smile crossed my lips as I brought out the power I had so far.

I felt the power surround father as it started to climb higher and higher. Cursing I saw that the halo was barely starting to form. Nodding to him I opened all the wild power I had feeling it as it rushed to join the other power.

Cursing more, I could see that the halo was almost fading, obviously father had more power than I had thought. Alright I thought as I opened ALL the power I had, this made the halo start to shine far brighter than it had with mother. ‘Good, it was working,’ I thought.

I could see father was finally starting to take solid form, then I felt the power drop a bit. NO! I had to give all as I opened up the last of my power. With huge tears falling down my face I felt my life energy start to feed all the rest that I was expending.

I suddenly felt a small boost, as I turned seeing my mother with her hand on my shoulder. Slightly nodding to her I felt another as I turned to stare into the eyes of... MERLIN!!!?

Both of them released my shoulders a moment later stumbling away. The tears were coming faster as father was finally almost completely solid. Another minute is all I need I thought.

Finally father stepped from the halo as mother struggled to stand and go to him. Dropping my arms that felt like lead weights, I smiled a sad smile as I felt the spell keep going.

Looking at the ground I knew it wouldn't be long now. I had looked into the restoration spell after the last time I had used it. If I didn't close off the power, it would consume me. Smiling again, I was fine with it, this way I helped with no one having to deal with me anymore.

Then I heard my mother gasp as did my father, "Toman no! Turn it off, you don't have to do this!"

Barely able to look up I whispered, "Yes father I do. Let me die doing something good, not the worthless thing that I am. I... it was my fault that Naci died. I never even got the chance to tell her that, I love her. I love her with every fiber of my being, without her I have nothing left, nothing to go on for."

Then I heard a crying sob of surprise. "You... you love me?"

I turned to see Naci standing there holding a small bundle in her arms.

"Naci," I whispered feeling the spell trying to draw me in. "It is good you have come to greet me."

Edging closer, I heard Naci also whisper, "Close it off Toman, close the doors. Please Toman, we need you here, not the other dimension."

I looked at Naci confused, "I saw you die, there was nothing left."

"Please Toman," Naci pleaded as she drew even closer. "Please stay with us, with me."

Nodding, I was reaching in somehow managing to get one door closed. I could feel the spell's draw, backing off quite a bit, then it roared back with a vengeance.

I looked at Naci, "I'm afraid I've done myself in this time." I heard myself say.

"Take a deep breath, close the door, it's the only chance you have. Stay with us, your daughter needs you. I need you." Naci was saying with a tear strained voice.

Nodding, I pushed with as much as I could. I could feel the door as it slowly, steadily started to close, I almost had it, the pull of the spell was almost gone, though it was still there slightly. I fell to the ground as I started to pant with the effort.

"I thought I could Naci, I'm done there's nothing left I..." I was whispering. Then I felt Naci reach out to me as she added her strength to mine, finally getting the door closed. Slightly stumbling to me, I felt Naci hold me as tight as she could.

"Please, never do that again, my Toman." I heard Naci say as darkness took me deep within its embrace.

_____________________________________________________

Though I am sure I dreamed, I don't remember any while I was out. I suddenly jerked awake, immediately regretting it. As I lay there the world spinning, I tried to remember where I was, who I was. Then the memories crashed back into my mind.

My god! Naci was alive as was Merlin, I was... I sat up slowly seeing that I was laying on a pallet in the council chambers. After all this I was going to die at the hands of the council.

Looking over I saw Pikon, Corth, Groton, Tydeth, Docal, Clondal, Lyndeth and finally Creton at the head of them.

"Ah! Good you are awake, now we can pass judgement." Creton said as I lowered my head. If I was to die, it was a small price to pay if the rest of the families were safe. The rest nodded as Lyndeth shifted to Gwendydd. Clondal shimmered into the form of my mother! Docal became Mordaf, Tydeth shifted into Morgenau. Groton shimmered into Morial who still held a wicked smile on his face. Corth became Morien though not the youngest was the weakest.

They all turned toward Pikon who seemed to be having a bit of trouble. Merlin had a perplexed look on his face as he passed a hand over Pikon, then a surprised look came to him. "You're actually the real Pikon aren't you?"

When the councilor nodded Merlin started to laugh. A moment later Pops walked in, "Got ya! 'Bout time too! Been a long time since I got one over on you Merl!" Pops changed to Pikon then back with a smirk at them, then a huge smile at me. "The rest of the real councilors should be here soon. I could only stare at all of them, that they had taken such a dangerous chance on me. Then I bowed to them all, which led to them bowing to me.

A moment later a rather pissed off Naci, nearly blasted the doors off the council chamber. Scowling at the others her face softened into a look of love when she saw me.

Nodding toward her and the others, I could see that life was about to get extremely interesting. That's when I saw the look of hunger on Naci's face. I also saw that she seemed to be staring at my crotch. with a look that could ignite flames. Yes, life was going to get VERY interesting.